Advice and Tools
For every step of your Ostomy Journey
SASS aims to advocate and align the standard of Stoma care and services across South Africa which will be applicable to both the private and public sectors.
Ostomy Care
Tips and Tricks
The South African Society of Stomates (SASS) is a Non-profit organization formed by Ostomates across Southern Africa to facilitate a “holistic” approach to ostomy patient care by bridging the gap between the private and public sectors whilst advocating for the rights of fellow ostomates throughout the country.
SASS VALUE STATEMENT
SASS is dedicated to advocating for the rights and well-being of ostomates across South Africa. We strive to bridge the gap between private and public healthcare sectors, ensuring that all ostomates receive the highest standard of care.
Our mission is to provide comprehensive support, education, and resources to empower ostomates and their families, helping them navigate their new normal with confidence and dignity. By collaborating closely with clinicians and healthcare professionals, we ensure that our community receives expert care and guidance.
Aligning with global standards set by The International Ostomy Association (IOA), we aim to foster a community where every ostomate feels supported, informed, and valued.
Featured Topics
For Living with a Colostomy, Ileostomy or Urostomy
Help us achieve
What we set out to achieve with YOUR help
GET EDUCATED
Medically reviewed surgery-specific information. Making sure you have access to the best possible care. Ostomy pouch management tips, diet & nutrition, skincare, sexuality, travel tips and more!
FEEL SUPPORTED
Support to you & your family whilst you transition into your new normal. You will have access to a local peer support group, where you can get answers to questions, or connect with our Facebook community.
BE AN ADVOCATE
We aim to advocate the standard of Stoma care across private and public sectors, whilst aligning with the global standards set out by The International Ostomy Association (IOA).
Urgent: Critical Stoma Nurse Shortage in South Africa
Next is a shortage of skill. Now in South Africa currently, we have less than 100 qualified stoma nurses, and in fact, that number`s c- probably closer to below 50. But we`re being conservative here right now.
#OstomyCare #HumanRights #EndTheStigma #DignityForAll #strongertogether
Not all stomas are the same, and understanding the difference helps you care better, live better, and support others with confidence
👩⚕️ Colostomy – Created from the colon (large intestine) to divert stool away from the lower bowel. Output is usually formed to semi-formed stool, emptied 1–2 times a day.
👨⚕️ Ileostomy – Formed from the ileum (end of the small intestine) when the colon needs to rest or is removed. Output is more liquid to paste-like, emptied 6–12 times a day. Hydration is key as more fluids and salts are lost.
🚻 Urostomy – Created to divert urine through a small section of intestine connected to the kidneys. Output is continuous urine flow collected in a drainable pouch. Keep the skin clean and dry to prevent irritation.
Each stoma is unique — but all represent life, resilience, and recovery
#SASS #OstomyAwareness #KnowYourStoma #Colostomy #Ileostomy #Urostomy #OstomatesOfSouthAfrica #StrongerTogether #StomaCare #OstomyEducation
The Singing by Dr Davies 🤩
What an incredible close to a week of learning, connection, and shared purpose in Sierra Leone.
As part of the African Ostomy Association family, SASS is proud to witness the growing strength of the Sierra Leone Ostomy Association (SLOSA) — a community deeply rooted in compassion, resilience, and the spirit of Ubuntu.
From the Ministry of Health and Sanitation to tribal and clinical leaders, every voice echoed the same commitment: to improve the quality of life and care for ostomates.
We celebrate this powerful collaboration led by the European Ostomy Association (EOA) and African Ostomy Association (AOA), building capacity and restoring dignity — one workshop, one connection, one One Love at a time. ❤️
#BuildingCapacity #RestoringDignity #UbuntuInAction #OstomyCare #GlobalOstomyMovement #SierraLeone #SLOSA #AOA #EOA #SASS #StrongerTogether
🌍 Building Capacity. Restoring Dignity.
Day two of the Ostomy Care Workshop in Kono, Sierra Leone reminded us all why this mission matters.
From heartfelt stories shared by pediatric and adult ostomates to the powerful presence of tribal leaders, nurses, and community health officers — today’s session was filled with emotion, learning, and connection. 💚
Together, we are strengthening communities and ensuring that no ostomate is left behind.
But we cannot do it alone — African governments must act to make ostomy supplies more affordable by reducing import taxes.
Because dignity should never come at a cost.
Led by the European Ostomy Association (EOA), in partnership with the African Ostomy Association (AOA) and the Sierra Leone Ostomy Association (SLOSA).
#BuildingCapacity #RestoringDignity #StrongerTogether #OstomyCare #SierraLeone #EOA #AOA #SLOSA #OstomateVoices #HealthcareForAll
No two bodies are alike.
Ostomy supplies are not one-size-fits-all — and that’s okay!
Your body is unique, and so are your ostomy care needs.
Weight loss, weight gain, surgery recovery, or even changes in muscle tone can affect how your pouch fits.
🧠 Watch for these signs that your pouching system may need adjusting:
- Skin irritation or redness around the stoma
- Leaks or frequent pouch changes
- Discomfort or a pulling sensation
- Difficulty keeping the baseplate in place
✨ Tip: If something doesn’t feel right — it probably isn’t. Speak to your stoma nurse or healthcare provider for a refit.
#OstomyCare #SASS #StrongerTogether #StomaSupport #OstomyAwareness #LivingWithConfidence #BodyChanges #OstomateLife
Ileostomy Care: Nutrition and Managing Treatment Side Effects
Our focus is on the pouching and nutritional needs of ileostomy patients, which differ significantly from those of colostomy patients.
We explore how chemotherapy and radiation side effects impact the stoma, skin, and the patient, highlighting the need for a specialized, multidisciplinary approach to patient care.
#OstomyCare #HumanRights #EndTheStigma #DignityForAll #strongertogether
As part of this transformative initiative, SASS is proud to stand alongside the European Ostomy Association, the African Ostomy Association, and the Sierra Leone Ostomy Association in advancing equitable ostomy care across Africa.
Our shared goal is simple yet profound — to build capacity, strengthen local health systems, and restore dignity for every ostomate. Through collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and solidarity, we’re shaping a continent where no one living with a stoma is left behind. 🌍💙
#SASS #StrongerTogether #BuildingCapacity #RestoringDignity #OstomyCare #HealthEquity #AfricaUnited
Stock up, plan ahead, and enjoy the festivities worry-free!
The festive season is a time for joy – but for ostomates, it can also bring extra planning. With clinics closing, staff on vacation, and supply chains slowed, it’s important to be proactive about your ostomy products:
Private clinic users: Check your clinic’s closure dates and place your order early. Consider ordering a little extra “just in case.”
State sector users: Confirm product availability and clinic operating times well in advance.
Planning ahead helps prevent stress and ensures you can fully enjoy the holidays with peace of mind. Your festive season should be about family, friends, and celebration – not running out of supplies.
#OstomyLife #FestivePlanning #OstomateTips #PeaceOfMind #SASSupport #HealthyHolidays
SASS Blog
What has been happening at SASS
Restoring Dignity Through Partnership & Education
SASS and Helen Joseph Hospital Lead the Way in Stoma Care In April and May 2025, the South African Society of Stomates (SASS) partnered with Helen Joseph Hospital (HJH) in Johannesburg for a multi-day capacity-building initiative aimed at improving stoma care services in the public health system. What started as a workshop quickly became a […]
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